Manitoba farm groups and the provincial government are satisfied with federal rail legislation to tackle the transportation logjam in Western Canada.
Doug Chorney, Keystone Agricultural Producers president, is pleased the legislation will deal with immediate issues and persistent concerns.
“They’ve come through for us on a lot of fronts,” he said from Ottawa. “It was good to see the government committed to longer term support for improving rail service, beyond the 90 day order in council.”
Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba agriculture minister, said regulations increasing inter-switching distances from 30 to 160 km should augment competition between railways.
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“The Manitoba government supports this move as it means trains will be able to travel longer distances along other rail companies’ tracks and will improve Manitoba’s access to the port in Churchill as well as important U.S. markets.”
Chorney agreed with Kostyshyn’s assessment, noting the increase in inter-switching distances is a “bold” move.
“Through talking with some of the stakeholders, this is going to give a great competitive option for some of the shippers who are not getting adequate service from the railway closest to them, including some U.S. options.”
KAP and the provincial government both support the federal government’s decision to hasten a review of the Canadian Transportation Act.
“This is good news because we need a long-term, comprehensive and fair tool that protects shippers and the Canadian economy as a whole,” Chorney said. “I anticipate the government will continue to listen to farmers and shippers as we work through this process.”
